Youth Justice
Over 60% of young people in justice settings have speech, language and communication needs (SLCN)
Speech, language and communication needs are often called the invisible or hidden disability because they are often not visible or obvious. As a result, their significance is often overlooked.
Some examples of the SLCN experienced by young people are:
- Difficulty understanding spoken words and using language to communicate.
- Difficulties remembering and recalling information accurately.
- Difficulty understanding commonly used legal vocabulary
- Difficulties in listening and understanding.
- Difficulties sequencing information to tell a story.
- Difficulty using abstract language (for example, idioms, metaphors).
- Difficulties staying on topic.
- Understanding non-verbal communication and relating to others in socially acceptable ways.
- Difficulty expressing feelings and emotions in an appropriate way, for example they may use aggressive behaviour, instead of words, to express themselves.
RCSLT Website 2024
If you have concerns about a child’s or young person’s speech, language or communication skills within the Youth Justice System please refer to your local Speech and Language Therapy Department using the referral form that you can find on this website.
If you would like information or advice as to whether a referral is appropriate you can contact the department by calling your local SLT Helpline.
Further information, advice and training can be found on RCSLT Website,